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Governor Budget Proposal and Orange County Legislators Responds

Today, Governor Jerry Brown unveiled $97.7 Billion 2013-2014 Budget proposal to the State Legislature with a message to Members of the State Assembly and State Senate:

“California today is poised to achieve something that has eluded us for more than a decade — a budget that lives within its means, now and for many years to come.”

“Fiscal discipline is not the enemy of democratic governance, but rather its fundamental predicate.”

The proposal includes $1 Billion in reserves, implementation of the Affordable Care Act and ambitious goal to restructure education funding.

Orange County legislators responded swiftly:

GOP Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar, District 29):

“New funding to our classrooms is a positive step forward for California. However, the Governor’s budget only seems to include $2.7 billion in new funding for K-12 schools and community colleges even though Proposition 30 taxes will generate $6 billion this year alone – Californians should be disappointed.

I remain concerned that while state spending is being increased by $5 billion over last year, much of this money is used to expand state programs and provides major pay and benefit increases for state employees.”

Basically, this budget is balanced by a $50 billion tax increase, and Californians have yet to see any real, long-term plan to bring back jobs and help our struggling families.”

Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills, District 55):

“I hope to be provided the opportunity to work with the Governor and Democrats to craft responsible solutions and be a part of the budget process. Although general fund spending has dropped, overall state spending has increased $68 billion over the last decade. I agree with the Governor that California’s K-12 and college students should be the state’s top funding priority, but we need to be open and transparent when conducting the budget process, focus on curtailing spending growth in costly programs we cannot afford, and enact pro-jobs reforms that will help grow the economy and get people working again.”

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point, District 73):

“While I applaud the Governor for budgeting within what appears to be a reasonable range of projected revenues, the 2013-14 proposal anticipates spending at record levels. The General Fund budget at $97.7 billion is actually $104 billion if previous realignment adjustments are included. Hence the General Fund budget is again over 2007-2008 levels, or the highest ever in state history. Spending including all funds – federal, special, and bond funds – has gone from $231 billion in 2012-13 to $225 billion for the 2013-14 year. The passage in November of Prop 30 taxes reduced the Governor’s mountain of debt by in essence allowing the state to make the usual payments on time to schools without borrowing from the districts, as occurred last year. It is difficult to see how future reduction in the ‘mountain’ comprised of internal and Wall Street borrowing will occur at present spending levels. We cannot forget that our long-term debt at roughly $90 billion is also at record levels. I look forward to working with the Governor to create efficiencies to begin to reduce state spending, provide services in line with taxpayer priorities, and return solvency to our Great State.”

Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton, District 65):

“For the first time in years, California will not be forced to make drastic cuts to keep our budget balanced as constitutionally mandated. It is heartening that there is increased investment in some key areas such as public education and health care, though there are certainly issues within these areas to examine more closely. I look forward to working with my Assembly colleagues in the coming months to find the best and most effective fiscal solutions for the residents of the 65th Assembly District and all Californians.”